ReaperCon Latest Topicshttp://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/forum/23-reapercon/ReaperCon Latest TopicsenManufacturer Awards for the Reaper Con 2019 Painting Competitionhttp://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/85288-manufacturer-awards-for-the-reaper-con-2019-painting-competition/
I have started the process of contacting various miniature manufacturers about providing prizes for their miniatures that have been entered into the Reaper Con 2019 Painting Competition. I will update this first post as the various manufacturers let me know what they want to do. I'll take requests of companies to contact up through the end of April.

First up is not an actual manufacturer award but I think a little variety is a good thing.

Chibi Gamers Award

Sponsored by Chibi Gamers (they have a facebook page) is the first annual Chibi Gamers Award. Gold, Silver and Bronze awards will be handed out to the best three Chibi miniatures (chibi's from all manufacturers will be considered) in the 2019 competition. The intent is for this to be an annual award so when in doubt paint a Chibi mini!

Manufacturer Awards

(will fill in as manufacturers commit)

Bombshell Miniatures

Bombshell Miniatures presents the 2019 Golden Maelee Awards. This is a Sponsored Award section of the annual Reaper Master Series Open Painting Contest. We are very pleased to announce that this year Bombshell Miniatures will be awarding ALL its eligible entries with either a copper, silver, or gold medal. In addition, the top three entries overall will also be awarded our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Maelee trophy.

To be eligible for these awards, entries will need to feature at least one or more Bombshell Miniatures as the prominent subject. This can be anything from Babes, Sidekicks, Kritterkins, to robots, or busts. Each entry will be judged on its own merit of painting execution, presentation, and skill.

Entries from artists who have been professionally commissioned by Bombshell Miniatures are ineligible.

Jason Wiebe and Jim from Dark Sword are working on creating something fun/cool to give to each entrant as a thank you for painting up the Tiger Lily tribute mini. As we get closer on the gift item, pics will be posted here and shared on the ReaperCon forums.

In addition, $300 cash will be offered to purchase one of the Tiger Lily entries from its painter to give as a gift to Jason Wiebe so he can have on display in his home in honor of the late great Tiger Lily. This will be something we go over the entries with Jason Wiebe on to find his favorite entry (which might differ from the prize ordering above). Please note - this purchase of the entry would be above and beyond any prizes won in the overall ReaperCon painting competition and the Dark Sword Mfr. Awards. And this is optional for the painter if approached (as a painter might want to keep the piece for their own collection).

* Any entry with the Tiger Lily Anthro Pug Miniature in it will automatically be put in this category as it relates to Dark Sword judging of the entry for the prizes listed above. The only exception to this would be the 13 and under category as the entry will be allowed to be judged in both and receive benefits from both categories.

The Dark Sword Miniatures Manufacturer Awards are open to all painters. To be eligible for the prize support listed above, the entries must be new entries, never entered into any other painting competitions. In addition, no entries can be commissions from Dark Sword Miniatures for painted studio models. This means Dark Sword studio painters can enter if they so desire, but their entries must be brand new creations not commissioned from Dark Sword and must also adhere to the eligibility requirements above. Please note - Dark Sword entries will also get the coveted "double dip" from being part of the overall ReaperCon painting competition as well. So one entry can potentially win multiple prizes/awards!

Galladoria Games

Galladoria is presenting a $100 First Prize for the best painted Galladoria Miniature in the competition and a $50 price for the runner up. They attended Reaper Con last year under the name Forge Prints.

]]>85288Tue, 05 Mar 2019 18:21:33 +0000Reaper Con Painting Competition Indexhttp://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/85289-reaper-con-painting-competition-index/
There are quite a number of threads regarding the Reaper Con Painting Competition. As Labor Day tends to get here at the speed of light I thought I would create a short index to the various threads. There is a lot of information useful to both the beginner and the veteran competition painter here, so pick a thread to start with and come join the fun!

3. Contrast and Then Contrast Some More: A hands-on class in which the only focus is contrast. Blending and such techniques ignored.

4. Hangy Things: A hands-on class on painting quivers and scabbards and pouches and belts and poles and bows and lutes ... stuff that hangs off a mini. Color choice and execution in often cramped quarters.

The room rate for Single/Double occupancy is only $119.00 per night (plus taxes). This rate is good for 3 days before and after the Con dates.
**Need additional booking dates than the standard Thurs - Sun for ReaperCon 2019??

I'm looking forward to going to my first ReaperCon this year, and I'm looking for information on when tickets go on sale. I'm used to events like GenCon, where badge registration opens 8 months before the con actually happens. Unfortunately, ReaperCon.com hasn't been terribly helpful, since it's still got 2018 dates. Anybody know when tickets go on sale and when we can start booking hotel rooms?

Thanks!

Lee

]]>84430Sun, 06 Jan 2019 02:19:42 +0000Reapercon dates?(not 2019)http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/85275-reapercon-datesnot-2019/
I have been trying to attend Reapercon for a few years now and I always have something preventing me from going. I have essentially two questions.

Is it just me or are the Reapercon dates different every year?

What are the projected dates for Reapercon 2020 so I can get to planning as soon as possible.

]]>85275Tue, 05 Mar 2019 00:07:15 +0000Scale75 Pricing?http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/84997-scale75-pricing/
So I remember going by the Scale75 booth but I was really new to painting and didn't know what to expect from their pricing of paints.

Does anyone remember what they were charging for their paint at their booth?

]]>84997Wed, 13 Feb 2019 05:49:19 +0000Reapercon websitehttp://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/85129-reapercon-website/
I liked to peruse the reapercon past entries on the website, but now its basically a "coming soon" splash page. Anybody know if there's a way to get to those pics?
]]>85129Wed, 20 Feb 2019 20:59:55 +0000Metal Trade In Approved Company Listhttp://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/39734-metal-trade-in-approved-company-list/
Through the years we have enjoyed providing the big metal trade at Reaper Con, but we need to update some policies and add some clarifications.

- Metal in trade is something we will only do in person. Trading IS limited to ReaperCon, so if you are planning to attend, please feel free to bring scrap with you.

- How do I tell the difference between an old school lead model and a newer tin alloy model?
There are three fast tests that will give you an idea if your model is lead: 1) Any date on the packaging or the model before 1994. 2) The model has a darkish grey or blue gray patina. 3) If the model can easily bend and doesn't make a cracking sound when bending.

Obviously this is not a 100% foolproof method, so if you are on the fence just bring them and we will look. If you are flying in, or don't want to travel with them only to be told no trade, please send a model or two in advance of the show to Reaper and address it to my attention. Address below. Be sure to include an email address in the box.

- Do you take P-65 models? Yes but they will be at a different trade rate.

- What can I trade for besides metal? Any unpackaged Reaper Metal products, OR other metal off the trade-in table that was turned in by other guests.

- I might have more metal than you want to trade for or don't need that much of your stuff, is there an option? Yes, we can make you a bulk cash offer based on what we are currently paying for a pound of metal.

- Can I carry my balance forward to the next ReaperCon? Yes, you will be issued a balance receipt after each transaction. Keep it.

True- Only hobby figurines of any scale are acceptable. Melted models are not acceptable so no ingots, disks or bars.

True - If the blisters in are still in salable condition you can trade those in directly for store credit, at the Retail Store, not Show Booth. No need to pop them out of the blisters. But, if you decide that you really have to have metal trade, yes you would have to pop them from the blisters first (the cardstock and the plastic do add weight).

Note: We do not know every company out there. If you don't see a company listed, post the name and we will research them.
This list is NOT every manufacturer, it is only the ones we have had direct contact with their production.

Approved

Ad Astra - all
AEG - all
Agents of Gaming - all
Amarillo Design Bureau (ADB)
Anime Tactics - all
Avatars of War - all
Black Orc - all
Bombshell Miniatures
Cool Mini or Not - all
Crocodile Games - all
Dark Age - all
Dark Sword Miniatures - all
Descent Games
Freebooter - all
Games Workshop - all - except cool ones
Goodman Games - all
Grim Reaper Casting - all
Hassle Free - all
Heartbreaker - late production
Iron Wind Metals - all
Mag Ego - all
Mongoose - all
Privateer Press - all
RAFM/Silver Fox - late production
Ral Partha - late production
Red Box Games - all
Rusted Heroes - all
Silver Age Sentinels - all
Simtac - very late production
Steve Jackson Miniatures - all
Talon Games - all
Valiant Miniatures - late production.
WizKids Metal - all
WotC - all (D&D/Chainmail)
Wyrd - all

Companies we need to see to decide

Stonehaven miniatures
Spartan Games
Mirliton Miniatures
Hawk Wargames

Unapproved

Broad Sword - all
Darksword - all (1980s company)
Genesis Miniatures - all
Grenadier - all
Heartbreaker - early production
Heritage - all
Most historical figure lines
Other World - all
Old Glory - all
Rackham/Confrontation - all
RAFM - early production
Ral Partha - early production
Rune Miniatures - all
Simtac - early production
Task Force Games - all
West Wind Productions

best,
]]>39734Wed, 05 May 2010 15:33:15 +0000Okay, what are the dates for the Con 2019?http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/83574-okay-what-are-the-dates-for-the-con-2019/
I would love to come [and probably can!] but what are the definite dates? The Missus is ready to go mall hopping and I am looking forward to gaming and events.
]]>83574Thu, 15 Nov 2018 01:29:27 +0000Reapercon MDF vendor?http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/84229-reapercon-mdf-vendor/
I want to get some of those MDF paint racks finally, and I wanted to buy from the vendor who sells them at Reapercon. Anyone know the name of the company?
]]>84229Tue, 25 Dec 2018 19:00:57 +0000Caravan to Reapercon 2019http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/84100-caravan-to-reapercon-2019/
Mr. Thorne did some math, involving flight tickets and car rentals, and apparently, other than time spent on the road, it's cheaper for us to drive to Reapercon. While we're still debating logistics, I figure... well, if anyone feels like they want to start building a caravan, now is probably a good time to discuss that. We would be starting out of WA; actual route kind of still TBA.

Safety in groups is still a decent traveler's mantra, after all.

(If I managed to get this in the wrong thread, move as needed; I'll find it again eventually. ^^; )

]]>84100Sun, 16 Dec 2018 00:24:42 +0000Reaper Con 2018 photo threadhttp://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/82333-reaper-con-2018-photo-thread/
By request...
]]>82333Thu, 30 Aug 2018 02:02:40 +0000MSP Open Scoring Changes for 2019http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/83111-msp-open-scoring-changes-for-2019/
After a brief back and forth Michael and I have agreed to some proposed changes to the weighting of the judging components beginning with the 2019 MSP Open.

Painters Division - No changes

Difficulty 5%

Creativity 10%

Workmanship 10%

Painting 70%

Presentation 5%

Open Division - No changes

Difficulty 15%

Creativity 10%

Workmanship 30%

Painting 30%

Presentation 15%

Diorama Division - Changes to Four Components

Difficulty 10% changes to - 15%

Creativity 20% changes to - 15%

Workmanship 15% changes to - 25%

Painting 30% No change

Presentation 25% changes to - 15%

Scoring was change to better reflect that judges should be looking at the overall piece and how it is presented to the viewer. Did you successfully tell your story?

Armor/Ordnance Division - Changes to Four Components

Difficulty 15% No change

Creativity 5% changes to - 10%

Workmanship 15% changes to - 30%

Painting 60% changes to - 35%

Presentation 5% changes to - 10%

Scoring was changed to bring the Armor/Ordnance division closer to the Open Division. The two divisions share a lot of similarities with each other and these changes better reflect what weight the judges should be given to the various scoring components.

Feel free to ask questions, but I would prefer that you post those questions in the post specific to the category you have a question about:

]]>83111Tue, 16 Oct 2018 15:16:06 +0000Judging the Reaper Con MSP Open - Armor/Ordnance Divisionhttp://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/83014-judging-the-reaper-con-msp-open-armorordnance-division/
This is the fourth, and last, in a series of four posts each concentrating on a different entry category. You can find information about the scoring system itself in the Painter Division post. From here forward I will just concentrate on how the component guidelines apply to the other three divisions.

Armor/Ordnance Division

At MMSI in Chicago and elsewhere around the globe this category is usually filled with armor, planes, artillery and the like. At the MSP Open it is more along the lines of the red-headed stepchild. This division shares a lot with the Open Division with workmanship and creativity being big components of the scoring. While many entrants are willing to spend hours pouring over a single miniature and eradicating mold lines and filling gaps, they seem to be loath to do that with an entry into the armor/ordnance category. Just like the other divisions preparation is key, a visible mold line or a seam is likely to drop you a whole medal category in the judging. Since many of the entries are from plastic and resin kits visible seams are usually the biggest problem I see as a judge, following that would be mold lines in difficult to reach places. At the 2018 MSP Open there were a lot of larger Games Workshop pieces. Almost everyone single of these had visible mold lines in the hoses and seams in the armor panels on the back of the legs. This dropped everyone of these entries a medal level. Decals are often used in this division and there is nothing wrong with using them. You will get marked down for poor application though, treat a decal like freehand and don’t just slop it into place. There is a right way and a wrong way to apply decals and it can be a bit of an art to the proper application.

Again, if you have just a single entry then the judges can just go ahead and score your entry, no discussion is necessary. If you have multiple entries, then there will be a discussion between the judges on which entry they want to score. That conversation is typically the only conversation although these discussions tend to be longer than they might be in the Painter Division. However, when selecting the scoring entry the conversation is still based on “I can score this one higher than the others” or words to that affect, till they come to a decision just as it would be for the Painter Division. If multiple entries are visually very thematic the judges may decide to judge them together as a single entry.

Let’s take a quick look at the scoring guidelines the judges use (which is published as part of the MSP Open rules. These are guidelines are subject to change.

Difficulty: 15%

Creativity: 10%

Workmanship: 30%

Painting Skill: 35%

Presentation: 10%

Difficulty: This and the Open Division are the places where difficulty does have a significant impact. The difficulty of assembling some of the kits available on the market can vary widely from manufacturer to manufacturer. Especially when dealing with a plastic kit like those produced by Tamiya and Games Workshop to the five piece resin game oriented kits put out by other manufacturers.

Creativity: There is not a lot of creativity involved with a straight up kit build, but when someone goes to the extra lengths to “upgrade” their kits with after market or hand made parts that impacts the creativity component. This is the equivalent of a conversion in the other divisions.

Workmanship: This is really a key component for this division and the proposed change reflects that. Any type of non-painting effort is represented here. This is includes your ability to do conversions and/or scratch sculpt or at least be able to blend your entry in with the scene you have constructed. A missed mold line, poor assembly or a poorly executed conversion could easily drop you a while numeric value in the scoring.

Painting Skill: Everything that was said about painting still applies in the Diorama Division but there is less emphasis. At this point workmanship and creativity components exceed the painting component (as currently proposed). There are a few other mediums that are often used in this category, like weathering powders, the application of those mediums falls into the painting component. While we don’t expect your abilities to be exactly equal in those areas you cannot count on your ability to paint alone to carry you over the top.

Presentation: While not the most important component in the Armor/Ordnance Division it is another example of getting the little things right. A nice, well executed base will set the “scene” for your entry. It can be the simple or it can be more elaborate. I would save the effort on a really elaborate base for an entry in the Open or Diorama divisions. This component is one that a judge will often use when making that final decision between scores, a tie breaker as it were.

If you have an All Access pass, or you purchased the Bonus Bundle, both sets are included. If you didn't, you'll be able to purchase both sets at the Reaper booth.

]]>82028Fri, 03 Aug 2018 23:53:23 +00002017 and before vendor questionhttp://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/82913-2017-and-before-vendor-question/
In 2017 and prior years at ReaperCon there was a vendor, from Georgia that had a wizard's tower and other buildings for sale. I don't remember them being at ReaperCon this year and I wanted to look up their website! Anyone remember the name of the vendor??
]]>82913Tue, 02 Oct 2018 22:01:04 +0000ReaperCon '18 swag bag *online version*http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/82460-reapercon-18-swag-bag-online-version/
Does the online version also contain the "bonus bundle" items or is it just the regular swag bag?
]]>82460Wed, 05 Sep 2018 16:23:01 +0000Judging the Reaper Con MSP Open - Diorama Divisionhttp://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/82838-judging-the-reaper-con-msp-open-diorama-division/
This is the third in a series of four posts each concentrating on a different entry category. You can find information about the scoring system itself in the Painter Division post. From here forward I will just concentrate on how the component guidelines apply to the other three divisions

Diorama Division

The Diorama Division does not exist in the MMSI structure. At MMSI a diorama goes into the Open Division as it encompasses the same set of skills. I, however, felt the Open Division ignored or down played the story and what is a diorama without a story? This is the division that lets you show off the same skills that the Open Division does and wrap it around a story. Again if you have just a single entry then the judges can just go ahead and score your entry, no discussion is necessary. If you have multiple entries, then there will be a discussion between the judges on which entry they want to score. That conversation is typically the only conversation although these discussions tend to be longer than they might be in the Painter Division. However, when selecting the scoring entry the conversation is still based on “I can score this one higher than the others” or words to that affect, till they come to a decision just as it would be for the Painter Division.

Let’s take a quick look at the scoring guidelines the judges use (which is published as part of the MSP Open rules. One cautionary note’ these particular scoring guidelines may change slightly):

Difficulty: 15%

Creativity: 15%

Workmanship: 25%

Painting Skill: 30%

Presentation: 15%

What does this mean for the Diorama Division? In this division we are really want to see all your hobby skills as well as your story telling ability. While the components remain the same the emphasis has obviously changed a great deal.

Difficulty: This is a tough one for the Diorama category, since most dioramas are difficult to begin with. We reduced the emphasis here because we feel that you should not take a hit for a good story that is comparatively simple to tell.

Creativity: Creativity steps up a bit here. While painting is still factor this is the portion that shows us the story you are telling. Now painting is combined with your ability to convert, sculpt and tell a story to your audience. The entrant’s imagination comes into play here, you are looking to tell a story to your viewers. You are striving for the audience to understand your story without commentary from you. It can be subtle or in your face but if you have to explain it then you have not succeeded.

Workmanship: This remains a pretty straightforward component but in the Diorama Division there is a higher emphasis on it. It reflects how well constructed the entire piece is. Any type of non-painting effort is represented here. This is includes your ability to do conversions and/or scratch sculpt or at least be able to blend your miniatures in with the scene you have constructed. A missed mold line, poor assembly or a poorly executed conversion could easily drop you a while numeric value in the scoring.

Painting Skill: Everything that was said about painting still applies in the Diorama Division but there is less emphasis. At this point workmanship and creativity components exceed the painting component. While we don’t expect your abilities to be exactly equal in those areas you cannot count on your ability to paint alone to carry you over the top.

Presentation:There is more emphasis on the is component as well. You are building the entire entry, essentially from scratch, and the presentation of everything you do affects the story. From the miniatures to the setting, this is where it all comes together. How you present it can be the difference between gold and silver.